George R. Hicks has been flying radio-controlled airplanes
for over 20 years and has been competing in aerobatics since
1994. His love of model airplanes and desire to understand
the intricacies of flight resulted in a Bachelors and Masters
degree in Aerospace Engineering from Mississippi State University
in 1997. During this time George worked at the renowned Raspet
Flight
Research Laboratory as an engineering research assistant
where he was involved with numerous
projects such as Honda's all carbon-graphite business
jet (UA-5) and Micro UAV development.

Upon
leaving Mississippi State George took a position at Sino Swearingen
Aircraft Corporation in San Antonio, Texas working as an Aerodynamicist
on the SJ30-2
business jet.

While
in Texas, George shifted his focus from pattern flying to
scale aerobatics. Since this time George has competed in over
30 aerobatic events with more than half of them resulting
in first place finishes. George was the 1999 IMAC Sportsman
Vice-Champion and the IMAC Advanced National Champion in 2000.
George now competes in the in the Unlimited class with his
best National placing being 3rd at both the 2002 and 2004
IMAC Nationals. George has also been involved with 3-D flying
since 1998 and is most noted for his innovative indoor-electric
3-D designs along with his recent victory at the 2004 E-TOC
in Toledo, Ohio. George is currently employed by Gulfstream
Aerospace in Savannah, Georgia where he works in the areas
of Aerodynamics, Stability & Control, and Flight Tests.